There is nothing that the church does that is more important than assembling to worship Christ. To gather in order to honor Christ through praying, preaching and hearing the Gospel is such an important thing that each of us should approach it very seriously. Let each one prepare himself in heart and body so as to arrive on time, having the heart clothed with a desire to hear from Christ and the body dressed modestly so as not to attract attention to one’s self. Let each of us enter into every song and prayer, closing out the thoughts of the world and all the cares it loads on us. Let each of us listen to the Word of God with the intensity of baby birds chirping for food. In short, let each of us give himself to worship in this hour as though there were nothing better or more important in all the world to do – because there isn’t. -- Joseph Terrell

The Hearer I Appreciate

… One who has prayed for the preacher and for the blessing of the Lord on the

congregation which is meeting today.

… One who is punctually in his pew with his family beside him.

… One who has his Bible open and who devoutly follows the Scriptures read as

hearing God speaking to him.

… One who takes a hymnbook and joins in the praise of the Lord as earnestly

as does the leader of the singing.

… One who in his heart joins in the prayer time.

… One who remembers that we are in the presence of God and bears himself

with reverence of manner and conversation.

… One who looks for Christ and grace in the sermon and not for rhetoric,

elocution, and clever statements.

… One who listens, takes the message to himself, and has a comment

afterward regarding the subject.

… One who has a look and a word of Christian greeting for those near him in

the church after the service. –John Hall, (1829-1898)—[& every other Gospel Preacher]

Forgive And Be Forgiven. Forgive Not, Be Not Forgiven -- Matthew 6:14-15

Everyone is guilty of every sin against God, either in thought or deed. But God is of great mercy and frankly forgives any and all sins of anyone who asks for mercy (but Christ had to pay for our sins). We are great sinners in need of great mercy and God delights to show mercy. But . . . if we do not forgive our fellow sinners for their minor offenses toward us, neither will God forgive us. Those He is most angry with are the unmerciful and ungrateful; those He has shown mercy to.

If we do not forgive our brother, we will not be forgiven. If we do not forget their offenses, God will not forget ours. If we do not run and fall on the neck of our guilty brother (like the Father) the rod of God’s anger will fall on our back. If we do not make peace and pursue it, we will not have peace with God and He will allow sin and Satan to pursue us. If we hold a grudge against our brother, God holds a much greater grudge against us and will repay with vengeance. If we do not speak to our brother or sister, God will not speak to us. If they call on us and we do not respond, God will not hear us when we call. If we stay angry at our brother or sister, God is much more angry with us, and we can count on the axe to fall. God will repay in kind. God is just and we will get just what we deserve if we do not show mercy, grace and forgiveness as He has shown us.

The great object of Gospel preaching and the practice of godliness are to call men, and attract men to Christ. The great commission of Christ to His Church hasn’t been altered nor annulled. Our Lord, by His Gospel trumpet yet gathers His elect from one end of heaven to the other. He employs feeble instruments and feeble means to do so, and though it may appear a day of small things, yet we must not despise them, Zechariah 4:10.

God help us to renew our commitment and determine as never before to (by the Word of God) command men to repent and believe the Gospel. Who knows but Omniscient God, that we may be on the very threshold of seeing Him break forth on the right and on the left and from the east and west and north and south and gather into His Kingdom a great number of Abraham’s seed.

Someone said, “The Church of Jesus Christ is the most important institution in the world. The assembly of the redeemed, the company of the saints, and the children of God are more significant in world history than any other group, organization or nation. The United States of America compares to the church of Jesus Christ like a speck of dust compares to the sun. The drama of international relations compares to the mission of the Church like a kindergarten riddle compares to Hamlet or King Lear. And all pomp of May Day in Red Square and the pageantry of New Year’s in Pasadena fade into a formless grey against the splendor of the bride of Christ. Take heed how you judge things. Things are not what they seem. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the Word of the Lord (and all His family) endureth for ever (I Pet.1:24, 25). The media and all the powers, and authorities, and rulers, and stars that they present are a mirage. “…For that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God (Luke 16:15). The gates of Hades, the powers of death, will prevail against every institution but one, the Church.”

Our number is small and our means feeble, but the self-existing, self-sufficient great “I AM” is abundantly powerful and is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think. While Egyptian pyramid builders build their great monuments to man’s misconception of the God we serve, and trust in horses and chariots (gimmicks and methods), yet we will remember the name of the Lord our God (Ps.20:7); remembering that He hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to naught the things that are: That no flesh should glory in His presence (1Cor.1:27). Remember He took a boy’s sack lunch of five barley biscuits and two little fish that were barely keepers and fed five thousand. Therefore let us trust and expect Him to take our small things and do great things with them. – Terry Worthan

WHY? HOW? WHEN?

It is not until the enlightened sinner is made by grace to see the sovereign character of God that these three questions will always be answered in a way that gives the believer true peace, comfort and rest. Here are the final answers to every question that begins with “Why? How? When?

WHY?“Even so Father: it seemed good in thy sight.” (Matthew 11:26, Luke 10:21)

HOW?“According to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will.” (Ephesians 1:11)

WHEN?“But when it pleased God.” “Until the time appointed.” (Galatians 1:15, Galatians 4:2)

I am so thankful that our God is in the heavens doing whatsoever He has pleased. Remember, God doesn’t do something because it is right, it is right because God does it. – David Eddmenson

The law is a doctrine which commandeth and forbiddeth, requiring doing and avoiding: under the law are contained all precepts, inhibitions, threats, promises upon conditions of our doing and avoiding &c. The gospel is a doctrine which always provideth and giveth, requiring nothing on our behalf as of worthiness or as a cause, but as a certificate unto us: and therefore under the gospel are contained all the free and sweet promises of God, as “I am the Lord thy God,” & c. --John Bradford (1510-1555), English preacher burned at the stake.

Outward mercies oft times prove a snare to our souls. “I will lay a stumbling block” (Ezek.3:20). I will prosper him in all things, and not by affliction restrain him from sin. Prosperity hath been a stumbling-block, at which millions have stumbled and fallen, and broke the neck of their souls for ever. As Augustine said: ‘Religion brought forth riches, and the daughter soon devoured the mother.’ -- Thomas Brooks, 1608-1680, England

Simon, son of Jonas, Lovest Thou Me ?

Our Lord addressed Peter by his original name, as if he had forfeited that of Peter through his denying him. He now answered, “Thou knowest that I love thee”; but without professing to love Him more than others. We must not be surprised to have our sincerity called into question, when we ourselves have done that which makes it doubtful. Every remembrance of past sins, even pardoned sins, renews the sorrow of a true penitent. Conscious of integrity, Peter solemnly appealed to Christ, as knowing all things, even the secrets of his heart. It is well when our falls and mistakes make us more humble and watchful.

The sincerity of our love to God must be brought to the test; and it behooves us to inquire with earnest, preserving prayer to the heart-searching God, “examine and prove us, whether we are able to stand this test”. – Matthew Henry , 1662-1714 , England

From the Bible Baptist Church bulletin, David Eddmenson, pastor.

“Brother Milton Howard, pastor of Kitchens Creek Baptist Church, and faithful missionary in Mexico for many years, had the below article in their church’s bulletin last week. As I read the article, it was as if Brother Milton was reading my heart. May God keep us all by His grace, for we are so prone to wander, so prone to leave the God we love. I am so thankful that my salvation does not depend upon my faithfulness to God, but upon His faithfulness to me in the Lord Jesus Christ.” – D.E.

‘I have been preaching this Gospel for over 50 years, pastoring several churches at the same time for the almost 26 years I spent in México. I have now been here at Kitchens Creek as your pastor for 24 years, and I can tell you this, that were it not for the Elect, the Sheep, the Faithful, the dedicated Lovers of Christ, and the Gospel, I would have quit a long time ago.

Studying the Word, Preaching the Gospel, conducting worship services, and rejoicing with those who hear and believe are the things that make being a pastor a joy. Having church members get their feelings hurt, leaving the fellowship, neglecting worship services, and displaying a general bad attitude is what makes pastoring a church the most difficult vocation a man can undertake.

When some leave the church, or quit coming, it is very noticeable in a small group like ours. Sometimes it is even emotionally devastating. You will never understand why, nor will you get a straight answer; and over the years I have heard many reasons

Because our minds are corrupt, and our heart deceitful, when we walk off from the Gospel, the thoughts that go through our minds, and the words that come out of our mouths as to the reason we do such things, do not make sense – not to us, and certainly not to someone else.

I think the most difficult part of this is when those who leave have been so much a part of our family, our lives and fellowship. There is no excuse for leaving the Gospel, and you will not get sympathy and understanding from me for doing it.

But the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ will not only survive, but will also, by His Grace, prosper. Our Lord said to His beloved disciples – after some had departed – "Will you ALSO go away?"True Disciples Will Not Go Away. There is nowhere else to go.’ "Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life" (John 6:68).– Milton Howard

The apostle gave thanks unto God because as he preached Christ, God always made him to triumph and made manifest the savor of Christ (spread abroad the knowledge of Christ) as the savor of a sacrifice. This savor is unto God a sweet savor of Christ in them that are saved. The preaching of Christ is a savor of life and death, and as Christ is preached, he is life to them who believe, receive, bow to, and rejoice in Him as their only plea and righteousness before God.

But even as Christ is preached, He is a savor unto death in them that perish – to them who won't believe, won't receive, won't bow to, and don't rejoice in Christ. They feel they don't need the savor of a sacrifice before the holiness and justice of God. When the gospel is preached, there are two things always taking place (even though most are unaware of it); some are being prepared for glory, others are being hardened. Some are being brought to the light; some are left sitting in darkness. Some see Christ and His glory; others see no beauty about Him. Some who hear the gospel have their hearts made tender towards sin; others have their hearts hardened in sin. No wonder we say, "Who is sufficient for these things"? The question we should all be asking is, "How is the preaching of the gospel affecting me"? – Don Bell

Predestination – “Instead of shrinking back in horror from the doctrine of predestination, the believer, when he sees this blessed truth as it is unfolded in the Word, is filled with gratitude and thanksgiving such as nothing else affords, save the unspeakable gift of the Redeemer Himself.” -- Arthur Pink (1886-1952)

Election--I Thessalonians 1:4

IT is striking how the holy truth of election was woven into the common speech of the early church. When Paul greets

epistle with, "ELECT according to the foreknowledge of God;" and when he closes the same letter he says, "The church that is at Babylon, ELECTED together with you, saluteth you." John writes, "The elder unto the ELECT lady," and closes the letter with, "The children of my ELECT sister greet thee."

It was not at all awkward for election to come out even in these greetings and good-byes. Why? Because election was not merely a doctrine which they believed the Bible taught, but they worshipped the God of election. Election tells us God is God! and election tells us that salvation is all of grace. This was doctrine that not only a few of the more mature believers believed, but it was woven into the warp and woof of the thinking of the early church. It was the first thing Ananias told Paul about: "The God of our fathers hath chosen thee" (Acts 22:14). Remember this; you cannot separate election and God Himself. He is the God of election. The early church knew this, and the church of the 20th century knows it also! -- Charles Nibert

Joy And Peace In Believing– By Maurice Montgomery

The Word of God says over and over, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). Men often seem to be waiting for God to speak peace to their souls before they are willing to believe on His Son. “I’ll believe,” they seem to think, “when the Lord gives me joy and peace in my soul.” But God will never speak peace to an unbelieving soul! There can be no reconciliation with God until the sinner agrees with God, and no peace with God until the sinner surrenders to God, and no joy from God until the sinner believes the testimony of God concerning His Son (I John 5:9-12). Then the sinner can say with the apostle Paul, “I know WHOM I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day” (II Timothy 1:12). May God grant to every reader of these words “joy and peace in believing.”

­­­Central Grace Church

3596 Franklin Street . Rocky Mount, Virginia

February 12th , 2017

9:30 am ……………………….……………………………………………..……… Christ Hated By The World – John 7:1-9

“Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning,

that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might HOPE” – Romans 15:4

THE message of Scripture is a message of HOPE to the believer; a message of salvation and deliverance from sin, death and hell. Scripture says that Christ came to . . . “deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage” (Heb.2:15). The language of scripture is a language of HOPE for all the saints. The disciples, worried about their friend Lazarus, who was sick unto death, were told by the Lord, “Our friend Lazarus sleepeth.” That eased their worries and fears. God’s Word to His people is a language of HOPE, which dispels all fear of death and dying. “Whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?” (John 11:26). None have ever perished who have trusted in God’s mercy, who have believed God’s Christ. NONE! All who have fallen asleep in Jesus, are right now with Him where He is, beholding His glory, in eternal happiness and bliss. They didn’t ‘go to the land of the dead’, as some say, but rather, left the land of the dead to go to the living God. Believer, HOPE THOU IN GOD! Hope in His mercy, hope in His grace, hope in HIS SON . . . and it shall be well with thee, thou shalt never die!You have God’s Word on it.

“Lovest Thou Me More Than These?” - John 21:15

Here is the great question that confronts believers throughout their lives. It is a comfort to those who fail, as Peter had. Despite the many failures of the child of God, he can say, as Peter did, "Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee." This question from the Lord is also a challenge, forcing us to decide what is truly important to us. Love for Christ is the first law of the believer. It is a law that no amount of legal hairsplitting can circumvent. Peter was in his own element: by the seashore with other fishermen. The Lord, in as much as said, "Which shall it be, Peter? Me or the nets?" Put in those terms, the answer was easy; it had already been answered in Peter's heart. But, the professions of each of us will be tested by similar choices. "Lovest thou Me more than family, home, career, comfort, plans, hopes, money, even life?" Paul said that he counted all things worthless compared to Christ. May we likewise love Christ more than all things, and may we always show that love in our choices! -- Joe Terrell

Are You a Calvinist?

Most of the time this question is asked by those who do not believe the truth; those who do not believe that God is absolutely sovereign in salvation; those who care nothing for the truth of God nor the glory of God. And most of the time our (my) response is to quickly qualify what is meant by a Calvinist and quickly say, that, the doctrine did not originate with a man (Calvin), nor do we follow the teachings of a man, but the doctrine of scripture alone. But I, for one, am tired of qualifying everything for the sake of rebels; I want to quit apologizing, as it were, to people who hate God and hate those who stand for the truth, namely John Calvin.

Our dear brother John Calvin was a man of God, sent by God, called by God to preach and write the Truth of God, and did so faithfully and truthfully in his generation. While I may not agree with everything he said or wrote, I agree with him in the main, in the essentials of the faith and heartily endorse this man and love him in the Lord. Brother John’s preaching and writings glorified the Lord, abased proud man, and pointed sinners to the Lord Jesus Christ, the sinners only hope. He laid down his life for the gospel and those to whom he preached. For what my endorsement is worth, I stand with the man, behind the man, follow the man (as Paul told us to follow him as he followed the Lord), and would like to be just half the man that brother John Calvin was. Put all the silly, foolish, ignorant, modern day false preachers together and, like the Pharisees before Stephen, they would not stand for a moment before the knowledge of God’s Word, wisdom, understanding of human nature and zeal for the truth of God’s glory that our dear brother Calvin was given. Brother Spurgeon once said: “Calvinism is the gospel and the gospel is Calvinism.”

Am I a Calvinist? Yes sir I am! And don’t say anything more of my dear brother unless it is in love and appreciation for the dear man. Brother Calvin is one, of whom the world was not worthy. I count it an honor to be associated with him and other men just like him.